Brake Mechanic
Summary
Brake mechanics diagnose faults and repair, replace or overhaul and test the parts of disc, drum or power brake systems used on all types of motor vehicles.
Duties & Tasks
Brake mechanics may perform the following tasks:
- work out faults in brake systems by talking to the vehicle operator and driving the vehicle, noting its performance, or by reading data from the vehicle's computer control system
- diagnose and correct anti-lock braking faults
- examine brake units, including steel and flex hoses and handbrake cables, for wear, damage or possible failure, and repair or replace as required
- measure brake drums and disc rotors to determine if wear or finished size is excessive
- test brake units to make sure outputs are to the specified level (this includes electronics now widely used on late model vehicles and trailer/caravan brakes)
- repair or replace leaky brake cylinders
- attach new linings to brake shoes by bonding or riveting (this is a separate semi-skilled operation in some repair shops)
- machine discs and drum brakes where indicated
- fit wheel onto hub and tighten wheel fixings to specified torque
- ensure brake systems are filled with correct brake fluid and are functioning correctly
- bleed the hydraulic brake system.
Personal Requirements
- enjoy practical and manual work
- mechanical aptitude
- able to work accurately.
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